Trouble defending punches

[Khun Kao]

gabbah is spot on! I forgot about that!

[EmptyneSs]

Hi all
I would really appreciate any comments you guys can offer with regard to defending against punches.
I've been training Muay Thai for around 10 months now - OK, I know that is a very short period but I am frustrated that I can't seem to cope with combination punches. Defending against single punches is not a problem but when faced with a flurry of punches, I seem to fall to pieces.
I try to focus on my parries but always seem to be one step behind my opponent's punches!
No other aspect of the art is causing me the same difficulty - I have no problems with elbows, knees etc.
I've read some excellent posts before and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Mark.

you have to focus on developing counter attacks. parrying the attack is great but its not enough, you need counter immediately after. try to counter attack before he can launch the 2nd punch. if you practice enough parrying and counter drills you will eventually be able to stop people dead in their tracks before they have even launched their attack. and you only need to develope like 4-5 solid ones really and it will elevate your stanup game great.

for example, you can duck the jab and counter to his body. or parry the 1st jab, step out and counter with a leg kick. or wait for the 1st punch to come so you can counter it with a hard push kick to his body. or wait for the 1st jab to be thrown so you can counter to his now exposed ribs.

moving around is important too, because if you use footwork and take angles on your opponent you will make him have to constantly re adjust himself to your position, making it harder for him to strike you. if you stay still and cover up you will just get blasted. and if you get hit its ok, just try your best to counter attack everything you possibly can.

they way to develope this is first practicing them with a partner till you get better and better timing, while trying them out during sparring to see which ones you find yourself pulling off the most.

speed and timing is the key.

[treelizard]

slip slip slip parry slip and then be that guy with the five zillion punches........

[gabbah]

personally I like to take their jab and right cross on the guard, or parry them both, and then counter with a left hook to the head. Many people leave that side open for attack after throwing their right cross.

[Khun Kao]

I personally prefer to use "Sawk Puong Malai", but thats really rude to do to your training partners...

[EmptyneSs]

I personally prefer to use "Sawk Puong Malai", but thats really rude to do to your training partners...

whats that?

[Khun Kao]

I posted what it was earlier....

Put your hand in the LEN MUAY position, but then step and drive the elbow forwards into your opponents chest or head... which now becomes the counter attack SAWK PUONG MALAI

[gabbah]

I saw a match with Ramon Dekker when he did this... really cool and effective it seems.